High-resolution multiscale modelling of pandemics: COVID-19 and beyond. The project aims to develop high-resolution computational models for pandemic mitigation and control, focussing on the novel coronavirus and its emerging variants, and leveraging demographic, genomic and epidemiological data. It expects to rigorously compare multi-scale effects of complex vaccination and social distancing strategies and quantify optimal responses under the COVID-19 induced uncertainty. The intended outcomes ....High-resolution multiscale modelling of pandemics: COVID-19 and beyond. The project aims to develop high-resolution computational models for pandemic mitigation and control, focussing on the novel coronavirus and its emerging variants, and leveraging demographic, genomic and epidemiological data. It expects to rigorously compare multi-scale effects of complex vaccination and social distancing strategies and quantify optimal responses under the COVID-19 induced uncertainty. The intended outcomes include computational models of how the most infectious viral variants emerge and spread in presence of interventions, how to predict the outbreaks, and which are the most vulnerable communities. This should make a significant economic and social impact, improving population health while maintaining a resilient economy.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE170100759
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$372,000.00
Summary
Trans-omic networks: A machine learning and omics integration approach. This project aims to map and model ‘trans-omic’ networks that cut through omic layers using machine learning and multi-omic data integration. Global networks regulated by molecular programs, including signalling, epigenetic, transcriptional and translational regulation, orchestrate cellular functions. Technological advances can profile these molecular programmes, giving rise to various ‘omics’. However, data generated from e ....Trans-omic networks: A machine learning and omics integration approach. This project aims to map and model ‘trans-omic’ networks that cut through omic layers using machine learning and multi-omic data integration. Global networks regulated by molecular programs, including signalling, epigenetic, transcriptional and translational regulation, orchestrate cellular functions. Technological advances can profile these molecular programmes, giving rise to various ‘omics’. However, data generated from each omic layer are predominantly analysed separately owing to their heterogeneity. To understand cellular functions in its entirety, it is essential to interpret omic data across multiple omic layers. Applying this project’s methods is expected to improve use of omics data and fundamental molecular programs.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE150100161
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$540,000.00
Summary
A multi-omics platform for molecular evolution and developmental biology. A multi-omics platform for molecular evolution and developmental biology: The proposed multi-omics platform will provide the computational environment (consisting of data, computer hardware, software and workflows) required to undertake large scale 'omics based research projects within molecular evolution and developmental biology. The platform architecture is designed to accommodate the requirements of data intensive rese ....A multi-omics platform for molecular evolution and developmental biology. A multi-omics platform for molecular evolution and developmental biology: The proposed multi-omics platform will provide the computational environment (consisting of data, computer hardware, software and workflows) required to undertake large scale 'omics based research projects within molecular evolution and developmental biology. The platform architecture is designed to accommodate the requirements of data intensive research in a collaborative environment where datasets, tools and workflows can be shared. Bringing together complementary expertise in molecular evolution and developmental biology, the platform will provide the opportunity to perform integrative analysis across genomes, transcriptomes, proteomes, metabalomes and epigenomes, providing a unique collaborative analytical platform for Australian researchers.Read moreRead less
Is FGF21 the master regulator of protein intake? The project plans to bring together two major, rapidly growing disciplines – nutritional geometry and metabolic signalling – to address a topic of fundamental biological significance: the regulation of protein intake. A specific capacity to regulate protein intake has been shown for organisms spanning slime moulds to humans, yet the controlling mechanisms remain elusive. The project aims to test the hypothesis that fibroblast growth factor 21, rel ....Is FGF21 the master regulator of protein intake? The project plans to bring together two major, rapidly growing disciplines – nutritional geometry and metabolic signalling – to address a topic of fundamental biological significance: the regulation of protein intake. A specific capacity to regulate protein intake has been shown for organisms spanning slime moulds to humans, yet the controlling mechanisms remain elusive. The project aims to test the hypothesis that fibroblast growth factor 21, released from the liver under low protein nutrition, is a master regulator of protein intake. Understanding the mechanisms of protein appetite may have implications for organismal biology, understanding social interactions, the structure of food webs and the health and welfare of food and companion animals and humans.Read moreRead less
Dynamics of atherosclerotic plaque formation, growth and regression. This project aims to provide a mathematical framework to interpret plaque growth. Many biological processes contribute to the growth of atherosclerotic plaques inside arteries. Lipoproteins enter the artery walls and stimulate tissues to signal to cells which duly respond so that fatty streaks form and grow into dangerous plaques that cause heart attacks or stroke. These processes are often nonlinear and operate on widely varyi ....Dynamics of atherosclerotic plaque formation, growth and regression. This project aims to provide a mathematical framework to interpret plaque growth. Many biological processes contribute to the growth of atherosclerotic plaques inside arteries. Lipoproteins enter the artery walls and stimulate tissues to signal to cells which duly respond so that fatty streaks form and grow into dangerous plaques that cause heart attacks or stroke. These processes are often nonlinear and operate on widely varying time scales. The project plans to use systems of ordinary differential equations, partial differential equations with non-standard boundary conditions, and bifurcation theory to find how nonlinear processes shape plaque growth. The expected results may demonstrate the importance of bifurcations, dynamics and nonlinear systems in plaque growth and provide new models to interpret biological data.Read moreRead less
Using venoms to map critical and evolutionary conserved vulnerabilities. We have developed and applied new functional genomic approaches to study venom evolution. Using CRISPR screening, we find that unrelated venoms act on cells by exploiting the same vulnerabilities. By functionally mapping these vulnerabilities for all venom classes, we can begin to develop universal venom antidotes. Conversely, much of what we know about venom mechanisms comes from a small percentage of the biodiversity with ....Using venoms to map critical and evolutionary conserved vulnerabilities. We have developed and applied new functional genomic approaches to study venom evolution. Using CRISPR screening, we find that unrelated venoms act on cells by exploiting the same vulnerabilities. By functionally mapping these vulnerabilities for all venom classes, we can begin to develop universal venom antidotes. Conversely, much of what we know about venom mechanisms comes from a small percentage of the biodiversity within a venom, and we have developed genomic tools to study the venom “dark matter”. This work will lead to the full molecular characterisation of venom biodiversity, and new venom components will be useful for research or as novel medicines.Read moreRead less
Insulin transport into the central nervous system. This project aims to understand transportation of peripheral insulin into the central nervous system and how it maintains energy balance. Insulin is essential for normal physiological functioning in the periphery and central nervous system, but some circumstances, including high-fat diets, reduce insulin signalling in the brain. This project examines the mechanisms of insulin transport into the central nervous system, and may improve our underst ....Insulin transport into the central nervous system. This project aims to understand transportation of peripheral insulin into the central nervous system and how it maintains energy balance. Insulin is essential for normal physiological functioning in the periphery and central nervous system, but some circumstances, including high-fat diets, reduce insulin signalling in the brain. This project examines the mechanisms of insulin transport into the central nervous system, and may improve our understanding of blood brain barrier insulin transport and dysfunction.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE200100122
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$620,000.00
Summary
Returning WA Rapid Acquisition Fluorescent Microscopy to the cutting edge. The equipment proposal aims to establish West Australia's only super-rapid-speed, high throughput confocal microscopy facility. The technology will provide researchers in biotechnology, medicine, environmental biology and agriculture with contemporary state-of-art opportunities to analyse living cells and/or large-area tissue specimens in three-dimensions with the highest possible speed and high-resolution. West Australia ....Returning WA Rapid Acquisition Fluorescent Microscopy to the cutting edge. The equipment proposal aims to establish West Australia's only super-rapid-speed, high throughput confocal microscopy facility. The technology will provide researchers in biotechnology, medicine, environmental biology and agriculture with contemporary state-of-art opportunities to analyse living cells and/or large-area tissue specimens in three-dimensions with the highest possible speed and high-resolution. West Australia hosts 1 twelve-year old historic rapid-acquisition confocal microscope that is heavily subscribed, no longer manufactured and prone to regular, prolonged, costly breakdowns. Accessing high-speed confocal systems in other states is not a viable option putting WA-based researchers at a significant disadvantage.Read moreRead less